The Best Garden in the World

By Author / Illustrator

Alice Courtley

Genre

Environment & Nature

Age range(s)

Publisher

Ivy Kids Eco

ISBN

9781836001355

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-04-2025

Synopsis

A chucklesome story from author-illustrator Alice Courtley that celebrates diversity in nature, and shows that what's "best" is a matter of perspective.

Steve is a city squirrel. He's got style, he's cultured, he knows what he likes. But for a while now he's felt a call to the wild . . . So Steve packs up his things, says goodbye to city life and moves to the forest. He's got BIG plans: he's going to build the best garden in the world. He's got his vision in mind, his tools at hand, and his rules for visitors ready. So, why don't the forest folk seem to enjoy his garden as much as he does?

Steve sets off to find out, and with each forest neighbour he meets, Steve discovers that perhaps what he thought was "best" might have been missing a thing or two . . . A timeless story about fresh starts, friendship, and gaining new perspectives.

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Reviews

Jessica

I've taken something different away from The Best Garden in the World with every read. This book can be shared with a whole range of ages as children (and adults) will each take something meaningful away from it.

Steve is a squirrel who has recently moved to the forest from the city. He is full of enthusiasm and big plans to build the best garden in the world. Steve wants everything to be 'just so' in his garden, so he puts up signs to help the other animals obey the rules. However, with all the restrictions in place, the other animals soon lose interest in visiting the garden. Steve is bothered by this and finds each of the animals in turn and asks them why they aren't using the best garden in the world. The animals each have a different and new perspective for Steve to learn about. For example, Chipmunk loves tunnelling, but Steve had out up a 'no digging' sign.

After hearing each of the animal's views, will he decide to embrace these differences? This book is a useful tool to support with friendships and perspectives.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunny, teacher